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A Memorial For Lena "Fay" Hennigar












Dell's Sig Cell
 




As you may know, my Christmas Vacation
was cut short by the death of a very
dear friend, Fay.

This page is a Memorial to her.

The following was read at her
Memorial Service
by her son-in-law.


Good Morning.  My name is Dick Ketler.  I'm Sheila's husband and the newest
member of Fay's family.  We would like to thank all of you for attending
this morning to help us celebrate our Mother's life and honor the memory of
Fay Hennigar.  The family has asked that I speak for them to share with you
a few special memories of Mom's final years.

Mom had always been the greatest teacher, motivator, and inspiration for
her children . . . but never more so than in the past six years during and
after the massive, multiple heart surgeries that only four people in the
world before her had ever survived.  Throughout this time of her greatest
challenges, she never stood taller.  She endured extensive pain, months of
rehabilitation, and endless hours of medical examinations and tests . . .
and in the process gave her children the greatest opportunity of their adult
lives.  They spent the long grueling hours of Mom's surgeries and months of
recuperation together around the clock, comforting each other, learning
about themselves, and sharing memories long forgotten.  More importantly,
they were able to experience clearly the wisdom of the lessons their Mother
instilled in them by her example throughout her life.

She also gave her grandchildren the opportunity for six more years to grow
up in her presence during the most formative period of their lives, so that
they, too, could receive the gift of her love and the character-defining
imprint of her core values . . . humility, strength, selflessness, joy of
life, and compassion.
Mom's surgeries did not define her life; rather, they exemplified her
character.  She showed us that no matter what life throws your way, you can
always prevail with hard work, perseverance, love, the support of family and
friends, a healthy dose of wit and humor, and a good "to do" list.

I'd also like to add my own reflections on Fay.  As a newcomer to the
family, I'm at liberty to express some thoughts her children may be
reluctant to share.  I met Fay a little over a year ago on my first visit to
Northwood to meet my soon-to-be in-laws.  Under circumstances that could
have been extremely awkward and difficult, she accepted me without
hesitation as part of her family and was thrilled in the love Sheila and I
had found.  One of my greatest blessings will always be that I had the
opportunity to spend every day with Fay during a month-long visit at our
home this past summer, during which time I grew to love and know her quite
well.

During that visit, Mom confided in me, privately, that she was so relieved
because finally she had reached the point in her life where she could stop
worrying . . . because she knew her children all were happy, had loving
spouses, and successfully were raising fine families of their own.  
Obviously, she would have wanted to be with us for years to come, but
essentially what she said to me was that, when the time came to go, she was
content.  As most of you know, Fay was very private person, so I was
particularly struck by her openness.  In so doing, however, she provided me
a real insight into her character.

Fay was not a person of great worldly achievements or experiences.  She was
a humble woman who asked for little and gave everything she had to ensure
the happiness and welfare of her family and friends.  That was her
overriding mission in life, and her greatest joy.   Her contributions to the
betterment of our world are the members of her family sitting here today.  
Virtually single-handedly and through difficult times, she raised and
nurtured five children to become productive, caring and successful adults
who embody her admirable spirit, values, and strength of character.  These
virtues they have passed to their children, all of whom are bright, talented
and personable young men and women who, in turn, will make great
contributions to their families, communities, and society.

That's the legacy of Fay Hennigar.  Her imprint will live on and spread for
generations to come.

And so, at this time of great loss and facing their most difficult
challenge yet, Fay's family thanks you for joining with them to honor Mom's
life, perpetuate her enduring love, and rejoice in the knowledge she
achieved all in life she set out to accomplish and now can rest at peace.

God bless you, Mom.

The Following Poem was written by Fay's daughter Sherry,
and was printed on the Memorial program.

Mom, Grandma, and Friend~~~
Unconditional love, right to the end.
Heart so big, it literally gave,
Always strong, sweet and brave.
Raised five kids, you put us first,
Even when you felt your worst.
Unselfish and loving was your gift,
A caring ear when we needed a lift.
You beat the odds, made medical history,
Our admiration for you is no mystery.
A perfect person for a purple heart,
God made you special from the start.
Twenty-five years to Winnebago you'd heed,
Determined to give us whatever we need.
Time with your grandchildren was one of
Your greatest joys,
Each one special to you~~3 girls and 10 boys.
We couldn't have asked for a better Mom,
Our hearts are breaking now that your gone.
God has made you an angel, in this we trust,
To watch from above and take care of us.

Sherry Olson
All rights reserved.

And my poem:
Joy Comes in the Morning

My Fay





I'm missing you much more each day
My dearest friend; my sweet Fay.
You meant the whole world to me,
 All who knew you would agree.
No one was like "my Fay".

You were a loyal friend right from the start
You offered your hand, and captured my heart.
The laughter, the tears, the love we shared.
Remains here with me, I know how you cared.


What matters now more
than ever before is the
love that she freely shared
Ever gentle and kind,
she tried so hard to find
common ground,
for she truly cared.

In her you could confide
And her arms opened wide
To give comfort or a
shoulder to cry on.
She laughed with such zeal,
and her humor was real,
Yes, she was a friend
you could rely on.

Why God called her home
and, in taking her, stole
a whole portion of my life
I don't understand.
I must try to move on
Though my spirit weeps through
these lonely nights; I still comprehend.
"Joy Comes in the Morning;"
And with that 'GREAT DAWNING'
With Jesus~~~A Heavenly Sight.
Fay and I can walk
shoulder to shoulder.
She meant so much to me
She was my friend,
don't you see~~~~
And I will miss her
forever and more.

karen
2-16-06












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